They listened to the pod bros so you don't have to

If you're like me and prefer your podcasts well-focused, concise, and with a clear narrative, you're probably not tuning in to the "pod bros." Joe Rogan is the best known—someone who can talk for hours, "hanging," "vibing," or "shooting the shit" with guests that range from the world’s most powerful figures (Trump, Musk, Zuckerberg) to fringe conspiracy theorists.

But what is the appeal of these sprawling, hours-long conversations? And why do they matter?

The decidedly un-bro-like hosts of Critics at Large (from The New Yorker) dedicated an episode to unpacking the influence of pod bros—who, they argue, helped swing the 2024 U.S. election for Trump. Their influence is only growing.

This week...

🎧 if you listen to one podcast on popular culture...

Make it Critics at Large from The New Yorker

The self-described “Upper West Side liberals” hosting this discussion know they are not the target audience for Rogan and his peers. They suggest the core demographic of these shows is young men who feel disenfranchised from many parts of society.

But Critics at Large does a great job dissecting what makes this format so appealing. Many of these podcasters livestream for hours, giving fans a place to "hang" with a familiar, entertaining “meta-social” friend.

The pod bros are a dominant force in the so-called “manosphere,” mixing laid-back, dorm-room banter with right-wing politics and conspiracy theories. The major exception? Hasan Piker —a left-wing bro who spends most of his waking hours streaming to nearly three million followers.

If you already follow these figures, this episode offers a sharp outside perspective. If you don’t, it’s a fascinating primer on a hugely influential corner of the podcasting world.

The New Political Reality: Learning to ‘Vibe’

One of Critics at Large’s key takeaways? If politicians want to connect with certain voters, they have to learn how to “vibe” in long, unscripted conversations. It’s a cultural shift akin to the rise of televised debates in the 1960s.

“After 1960, we learned that JFK was good on TV and Nixon was not. From then on, being good on TV became essential for national office. In 2016, Trump took over Twitter, and suddenly being good at Twitter was a must. Now, knowing how to ‘hang’—to talk off the cuff for hours—is just as crucial.”

🎬 Talking of the Manosphere...

If you enjoyed Netflix’s drama Adolescence and wondered if it was really filmed in four hour-long single takes, check out this episode of The Rest Is Entertainment:

🎙️ In Other Podcasting News...

Radio Davos, the show I host at the World Economic Forum, just turned five years old! Join me for a walk down memory lane as we revisit key moments:

What Are You Listening To?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of the above—or let me know what must-hear podcasts are on your list.

Thanks for listening!